Apprentices in line for BT recruitment drive

BT is creating 1,400 new apprenticeships and graduate jobs this year across a number of departments and roles.

The new posts are aimed at encouraging young people into tech-based careers, and will be split between BT’s mobile and internet provider, EE, its infrastructure arm, Openreach, which will take on one third of the new apprentices.

Others will work in jobs across cyber-security, software development and research and innovation, among other roles.

‘Essential’ career paths

Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT, said: “Technology is changing all the time and companies need to support and train young people to develop the skills required for successful careers in essential areas such as science, engineering and IT.

“The UK has been ranked as the leading digital economy in the G20 for the past five years, and our investment in these people will help this continue.”

New start for thousands

This year’s cohort will add to the 1,700 apprentices and graduates BT has recruited in the last two years.

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Three million more apprenticeships by 2020 will create exciting opportunities for working people of all ages and help businesses around the country acquire the skills they need to compete.

“These apprenticeships at BT will offer people the hands on experience they need to succeed. I would encourage more businesses to follow their lead and hire apprentices.”